Jews in Biro-bidjan Celebrate Tenth Anniversary of Their Autonomous Region

The tenth anniversary of the establishment of Biro-bidjan, as an autonomous Jewish region of the USSR, is being marked by large scale festivities there, despite the fact that the entire region is working full time at asks connected with the war effort, according to reports reaching here today.

A special jubilee session of the Regional Soviet was held, followed by a agnatic mass meeting in the Park of Culture in the capital city, which is also named Biro-Bidjan, and by a sports and cultural festival marked by athletic contests and dancing competitions.

Jewish pioneers, who cleared the land when Biro-Bidjan was still virgin forest, poured the region addressing meetings in offices, factories and homes concerning their experiences. On the eve of the anniversary an exhibit depicting the growth of Biro-Bidjan since its establishment was opened. A large section of it is devoted to graphs and photographs picturing the region’s contribution to the war effort. Included were numerous photographs of Red Army men from Biro-Bidjan now serving on the various fronts.